GPRC recruits new Vice-President, Academics and Research

Thursday, January 10th, 2019

GRANDE PRAIRIE – The opportunity to become GPRC’s new Vice-President, Academics and Research will be a sort of homecoming for Dr. Tim Heath.

Heath, who is currently the Dean of the Centre for Applied Arts and Sciences at Lethbridge College, attended GPRC for two years between 1976 and 1978. He went on to complete a Bachelor of Physical Education at the University of Alberta, Master of Theological Studies at Taylor Seminary as well as a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in English at the University of Alberta.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for me to return to Grande Prairie and GPRC. I’m looking forward to being part of creating new opportunities for students to complete degrees in northwestern Alberta,” said Heath.

As Vice-President Academics and Research, Heath will lead faculty and staff to offer a broad range of high-quality programming and services for students in the region while supporting the scholarship and research activities of College faculty, students and staff.

Heath has more than 15 years of experience in leadership in post-secondary education in Alberta, having worked at Ambrose University in Calgary, Red Deer College and most recently Lethbridge College.

“Dr. Heath brings a wealth of experience for our faculty and staff as GPRC makes the transition to a degree-granting institution,” said GPRC President and CEO Don Gnatiuk. “His work with the Campus Alberta Quality Council has been extensive, so he brings invaluable experience to the academic division at GPRC and our future as a degree-granting institution.”

The recruitment process for GPRC’s new Vice-President Academic and Research involved a nationwide search that included a rigorous interview process and input from a wide cross-section of College faculty and staff.

“Tim demonstrated to everyone who was part of the selection process the experience and commitment he would bring to this important role at the College,” said Gnatiuk. “I know the community will also quickly see the level of passion he will bring to the region.”

Heath has already started to transition to his new role at GPRC while still in Lethbridge and will relocate to Grande Prairie as soon as possible.

“I’m really looking forward to returning to GPRC, meeting faculty, staff and students as well as members of the communities the college serves. One of my first priorities will be getting up to date on the progress being made toward becoming a degree-granting institution,” said Heath.

GPRC’s past Vice-President Academics and Research, Susan Bansgrove, retired in June 2018 after working in the position for 10 years.